Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail Bill Bryson and Stephen Katz, #2
Mass Market Paperback, 397 pages
English language
Published Dec. 25, 2006 by Anchor.
The Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America—majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaining guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way—and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and read in).
3.5
Entertaining, but that's it.
This is a good and very funny book that offers both the description of the author's adventures on the AT and many facts about the trail and its history. I fully enjoyed reading it. I felt that the author sometimes tries little too hard to make things funny and this results in a feeling that he might be embellishing his stories a bit. But I did not mind that too much since the book made me laugh out loud many times.
At first I was disappointed that Bill Bryson didn't narrate the audiobook, but Rob McQuay was fantastic.
Fun and interesting read! It is a great mix of information, opinion and humor. It makes me want to go for a hike in the woods right now (a day-hike that is).
Had some trouble in the beginning getting the right groove for this, but after the first 40 pages or so started to thoroughly enjoy the book. While I do not agree with the author on all acerbic observations, it's an excellent reminder of the potential trials and majesty the wilderness has to offer.
Follow Bryson and his friend down the A.T. Watch them hike, out of shape and unprepared. Listen to them bicker and moan about hunger. And learn a little bit about the history of the trail and environmental issues as you traverse the US.
Mostly interesting, I found some parts to be boring, a few exceedingly so, but still a good read. If Bryson's goal was to get my old butt to want to get back on the trail and connect with nature, then mission accomplished. Three stars.
There is no point in hurrying because you are not actually going anywhere. However far or long you plod, you are always in the same place: in the woods. It’s where you were yesterday, where you will be tomorrow. The woods is one boundless singularity.
I listened to the audiobook and Bill Bryson's narration added to the humour and retelling of his time on the Appalachian Trail. I found the mix of trail memories, facts and history of trails in America to be the right blend.
I laughed aloud several times at the exploits of Bryson and Katz, became invested their hike and also dreaded entering the 100 Mile Forest in Maine. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the outdoors, laughing at others who are not prepared for an undertaking of this size and those who think they could spend several weeks hiking on a trail.
Great fun for those of who dream of through-hiking the Appalachian Trail but can't quite make it.
Another excellent book from Bill Bryson. He is at times funny and sobering. Mixing personal anecdotes and absurdity of his experience with the good and bad facts about the landscape, towns, and wilderness around the Appalachian Trail. I was saddened by the realities of the actions of the Forest Service and by the government in their infinite wisdom, yet was heartened by the outcomes of benign neglect. I laughed and was inspired by Bryson's experience.
